Cycling is a fantastic way to explore Plymouth, Britain’s Ocean City. With its scenic coastal routes, historical landmarks, and stunning views, there are plenty of must-visit places in Plymouth that are perfect for exploring by bike.

If you would like to explore the city on two wheels but you don’t own a bicycle, there’s plenty of bike hire options available, and with the recent introduction of the Beryl Bikes, it's now easier than ever to tackle those famous hills with the assistance of powered pedalling.

If you're planning on getting out in the fresh air and want make the most of your cycling adventure, here are our favourite scenic places to visit by bike.

Plymouth Hoe

Plymouth Hoe is a beautiful, iconic location that offers stunning views of Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, one of the world's largest natural harbours. This vast public space is perfect for cycling, with its wide promenade and roads stretching along the waterfront. You can stop at one of the nearby cafes for a bite to eat or drink and enjoy the picturesque scenery, including the iconic Smeaton’s Tower lighthouse. You can continue your adventure by riding along Hoe Road either west toward Royal William Yard or east to the Barbican.

There are numerous cycle paths and routes to get to Plymouth Hoe, including the National Cycle Network route 27.

Royal William Yard

Royal William Yard is located on the South West Coast Path, which is a popular long-distance cycling route stretching along the Devon and Cornwall coast, making it an ideal stopover.

The yard was originally a former Royal Navy victualling yard, and its historic buildings have been beautifully restored, offering a unique blend of old and new. It is home to a variety of restaurants, cafes, boutiques, and galleries, making it a bustling hub of activity.

There are ample bike parking facilities, making it easy to secure your bike while enjoying the views of the marina and you can stop for a coffee or a meal at one of the many eateries in the area.

Check the Royal William Yard bike map for travel routes.

Credit - Formedia

Plymbridge Woods

Plymbridge Woods is a picturesque woodland area located on the outskirts of Plymouth, offering a perfect setting for a scenic cycling adventure. The off-road cycling trail provides a safe and enjoyable route for cyclists of all levels, from families with children to more experienced riders, making it accessible for a wide range of cyclists.

You can get to Plymbridge Woods by bike by following Route 27, part of the Plym Valley Trail, or if you’d like to drive to the area, from the A38 Marsh Mills exit, head towards Plympton and follow signs to Plymbridge Woods, 5 miles (8km) north-east of Plymouth.

Credit - National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Saltram

Located on the outskirts of Plymouth, Saltram offers peaceful cycling routes through its extensive parkland, woodlands, and riverside trails. You can cycle along the River Plym, enjoy the scenic views, and explore the extensive network of trails that wind through the estate. You can also follow the riverside cycle trail or challenge yourself to a longer route to Plymbridge Woods.

Central Park

Central Park is the largest park in Plymouth, and with its wide boulevards through the park's open meadows and woodlands, up and down hills with fantastic views over the city towards Plymouth Sound and Cornwall, it makes it a perfect place to cycle. At Central Park you can also find the Meadow Cafe, open daily, as well as the Life Centre if you'd like to try out sporting activities.

Central Park is just a short cycle north from the city centre, or you can park at the adjacent Milehouse Park & Ride site.

Dartmoor

If you’re looking for a longer cycling adventure, head to Dartmoor, the expansive countryside that surrounds the city. Dartmoor is one of the finest and largest National parks in Britain and the largest great wilderness in Southern England. The landscape is unique with its high heather covered moors, ancient standing stones, hut circles and stone clapper bridges. It’s not for the faint-hearted – if you’re not cycling uphill, you’re cycling down – but your effort is rewarded with gorgeous views of the moors all around.

For more information:

• Plymouth City Council cycle map
• Plymouth Bike Hire
• Getting around
• Countryside
• Cycling and mountain biking

In partnership with GWR, Destination Plymouth’s lead travel partner